A young man holds a cross during morning prayer with the Lutheran World Federation delegates on day one of COP25 in Madrid. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
An invitation to draw near in the work for justice, peace and reconciliation
LWI – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has launched its 2026 Lenten series, inviting the communion’s member churches to reflect on drawing closer to God, to the neighbor, creation and bearing witness to justice.
Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran confessional heritage, the seven-week series, “Closer – on the way to the cross,” kicks off on Ash Wednesday and will run through Holy Week. It comprises daily reflections on the LWF website and social media platforms, unpacking what it means to be closer to God, ourselves, our neighbor, creation, justice, one another, and the cross. Each theme is elaborated in a longer reflection and further expanded in social media posts, inviting readers to pray, engage, and act.
In coming closer to the cross, we discover that God is already present in places of suffering and injustice, drawing us into hope and courageous discipleship.
Rev. Dr Anupama Hial, LWF Program Executive for Global Public Theology
“Lent invites proximity — with God, with ourselves, and with realities we would rather avoid: our own complicity, strangers at the border, the suffering of the earth, systemic injustices, and fractured relationships,” said Rev. Dr. Anupama Hial, LWF Program Executive for Global Public Theology. “In coming closer to the cross, we discover that God is already present in places of suffering and injustice, drawing us into hope and courageous discipleship.”
Follow the Lent series from 18 February to 4 April on LWF’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads for a new message each day—offering faith encouragement and inspiration throughout the Lenten season.
